Continental

Avalanche problems

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  2–3

  Multiple weak layers exist throughout our snowpack including weak snow at the ground. These layers are under stress from storm slabs developing at middle and upper elevations and warming temperatures. When these layers fail they have the potential to create very large dangerous avalanches that run to the valley floor. Stay out of avalanche terrain and clear of runout zones.

  

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  1–2

  Rain and wet heavy snow are saturating the snowpack below 2500 ft. Snow that has become saturated with water loses strength creating wet loose avalanches. With a fluctuating snow line wet loose avalanches are possible anywhere where rain is falling on snow. If the top 4-6” of snow are wet, avoid steep slopes and terrain traps at lower elevations and make sure you are not in the runout zone of larger avalanche paths above.

  

• 

  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Very Likely

  Size

  1–3

  A moisture laden storm continues to impact our area with another 4-5” of heavy wet snow on Thompson Pass and over 1 ft of new snow at upper elevations recorded in Nicks Happy Valley in the last 24 hours. Storm slabs 4-6 ft deep may be found at upper elevations after over a weak of steady snowfall. This new snow is overloading our weak snowpack creating very dangerous avalanche conditions. Precipitation will continue throughout the day and is forecasted to ramp up in intensity again this morning. Storm slabs will be building above 2500 ft and strong ridgetop winds from the southeast will add additional load to lee slopes. 

  Large natural avalanches will be likely. Travel in or below avalanche terrain is not recommended today.